“The terms delayed egress and controlled egress are fre- quently confused, due in large part to the efforts of the International Building Code (IBC) to address this issue.” Delayed Egress Delayed egress locking systems are most commonly comprised of panic hardware incorporating delayed egress features, or an electromagnetic lock and power sup- ply, one of which would contain delayed egress circuitry. When a 15-pound force is applied to the egress side door hardware for up to three seconds, an irreversible timing sequence begins. The door remains locked on the egress side for 15 seconds (30 with approval from the AHJ), and then re- leases to allow egress. Both NFPA 101 and the IBC contain similar requirements for delayed egress locks, but there are some slight differences — particularly regarding the occupancy types where delayed egress locks are allowed. It should also be noted that while all recent editions of NFPA 101 – The Life Safety Code and the 2015 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) allow not more than three seconds of ap- plied force to begin the process, previous editions of the IBC included a limit of one second to initiate the process. There are several other important re- quirements that must be met to ensure occupant safety when delayed egress de- WWW.ALOA.ORG vices are installed. An audible alarm in the vicinity of the door must be activated once the irreversible process has been ini- tiated. The device must be rearmed man- ually and must allow immediate egress (no delay) upon actuation of the auto- matic sprinkler system or automatic fire detection system. The IBC requires the capability of release from the fire com- mand center or other approved locations. NFPA 101 specifies that doors allow im- mediate egress (no delay) upon actuation of the sprinkler system, not more than one heat detector, or not more than two smoke detectors. Doors must also allow immediate egress (no delay) upon loss of power controlling the delayed egress lock. Lastly, emergency lighting is required on the egress side of the door, and sig- nage is required to be mounted on the door adjacent to the release device (the IBC specifies above and within 12" of the door exit hardware), stating: “Push [pull] until alarm sounds. Door can be opened in 15 [30] seconds.” NFPA 101 further specifies a visible, durable sign with let- ters 1" high minimum with ⅛" minimum stroke width on contrasting background. The 2015 IBC has added a requirement for the signage to comply with the visual character requirements of ICC A117.1. The 2015 IBC also includes an exception for Group I occupancies where the care recipients require restraint or contain- ment; installation of a sign isn’t required. Controlled Egress While delayed egress locks must automat- ically unlock 15 seconds aſter a building occupant actuates the device, a controlled egress lock allows the egress doors serv- ing certain areas to remain locked until they are unlocked by staff, the automatic fire protection system or a power failure. The section of the IBC addressing con- trolled egress in certain areas of a health care facility doesn’t require the door to release automatically aſter a building oc- cupant attempts to exit by pushing or pulling on the door or hardware. The IBC doesn’t specifically state which types of health care units can be equipped with controlled egress locks, but the 2015 IBC Commentary states, “The areas where controlled egress may be permitted include psychiatric areas, dementia units, Alzheim- er’s units, maternity units and newborn nurseries. Code officials may also permit these provisions in other areas such as emer- gency departments or pediatric areas where the safety and/or security of the occupants are of primary concern.” This helps to estab- lish the intent of section 1010.1.9.6, but the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) may provide additional guidance. Beginning with the 2009 edition, NFPA 101 includes similar controlled egress re- quirements in Chapter 18 – New Health Care Occupancies, and Chapter 19 – Ex- isting Health Care Occupancies. Chapter 7 of NFPA 101 also includes a section ad- dressing delayed egress. There are varia- tions between the model codes with re- gard to these two applications, so be sure to evaluate each of the criteria for both delayed and controlled egress when de- ciding which system is appropriate. In a facility where lives literally hang in the balance, it’s particularly important that every door and every piece of hardware be compliant with all the relevant codes. If these requirements are carefully followed and the appropriate system is installed as allowed by the code adopted in the project’s jurisdiction, patient security will be en- hanced without jeopardizing life safety. ori Greene, AHC/CDC, PR, FDAI, FDHI is the man- er of codes and resources r Allegion. To find out more bout delayed and controlled ress codes or other hard- ww.idighardware.com. MAY 2016 KEYNOTES 17
